This site is a free service for communication, self-expression and freedom of speech. We believe this site increases the availability of information, encourages healthy debate, and makes possible new connections between people.

While reporting on topics, we will ask the questions some newspapers don't. We will print the questions that some newspapers won't.

All sources of information are confidential.

Email The Fact of The Matter at:

tfotmwestfield@gmail.com

Friday, October 28, 2011

Once again, a vigilant resident proved to be the key asset to law enforcement officials here in Westfield.
In less than a month, police have apprehended what appears to be two separate burglary teams working in Westfield.
The most recent arrests came after police were contacted by a woman walking her dog. The woman was able to give police a description of a man trying to break into a house that was allegedly the scene of an attempted burglary two weeks ago. Her description of the suspect trying to break into a home on Embree Crescent enabled police to identify the alleged burglar. The Westfield Police department sent officers to the neighborhood and observed a person fitting the description, riding a bike on neighboring Longfellow.

The suspect, identified as Travis Cassett, was taken into custody and charged with burglary and attempted burglary. Cassett's capture enabled police to identify a second suspect, James Reardon, who allegedly was involved in an Oct. 19 break-in at about 11:45 p.m. During that attempted burglary, where an elderly resident in the 600-block of Embree Crescent had reported that the two suspects were white men in their 20s, an attempt to break into his home was initiated by way of kicking in a basement window.

Westfield Patch quoted WPD Captain Wayman as stating "When he heard the noise and came downstairs, they saw him, he saw them, and they ran."

The fact of the matter is, if it were not for an observant and vigilant woman and her barking dog, the burglary spree of these two individuals would most likely have continued.